Interview Assessment #3

Date: November 3, 2016

Name of Person Interviewed: Ms. Julie Pham

Profession: Nurse Practitioner

Location and Business Name:

Liver Consultants Of Texas

3410 Worth St Ste 860

Dallas, TX 75246

Date of Interview: October 31, 2016

Time: 8:00 PM

ISM isnt going to be as easy as your other classes,- now that is a huge understatement.

Never in my entire high school career have I been so stressed, so knocked down, and so

unsatisfied with myself. Usually, when I receive an assignment and place all my effort into it, I

get the grade I desire. This scenario does not apply to ISM. The countless calling, emailing,

leaving messages, trying to get more contacts seems easy, but in all honestly, its the complete

opposite.

So thats the reason why I was so surprised when Ms. Pham picked up so quickly, and she

was eager to help me with my career choice. She was extremely curious about both the ISM and

Health Science program, and she even went as far to give me her number and offer me some

contacts she knows that are in my field. Just hearing how dedicated she is to her profession, and

how kind and helpful she is to me, really erased all the stress and doubt I had in my head. Thanks

to Ms. Pham, I had the courage to not give up and let out a relieved smile.
 Originally, Ms. Pham was an English-Biology major, but she felt as if the major didnt

suit her. She believed she was best fit in helping others, rather than teaching, and through her

aunt, who is a doctor, she began in the field of nursing instead. I, for one, would not have the

guts to change my major halfway during my college career, because it seems like a hassle and a

lot more work is put into changing a field of study. However, Ms. Pham was persistent and

believed nursing was the right major for her, and despite the trials, she graduated with honors

from the University Of Texas Medical School At Houston.

Interestingly, Ms. Pham conjured that the most rewarding aspect of her job was being

apart of her patients life. She shared a story about how her patient has lost his wife, whom he

had been with for 46 years. She was with him through all the pain and mourning, and she was

able to form bonds and communicate effectively with him through that experience. She told me,

Every year is a different story, emphasizing how a nurse has to be flexible at all times, and

willing to humble themselves in the process. She shared another story about how devastated a

patient was when her husband divorced her 2 years ago. She felt sadden by the betrayal and pain

her patient has been through, however, she had to be the one to help strengthen her patient and

help her overcome that obstacle. Ironically, the patient now is soon getting married to a guy she

met at Lowes. Ms. Pham finds that she is almost a different person, happier and healthier than

ever before. Ms. Pham explains how she inspires to be the one her patients look for when they

are at a critical time of their lives.

Ms. Pham also shared with me what she views is the most challenging part of her job.

She informed me she feels unaccomplished when patients become their worst enemy. She puts

all her effort into creating a plan for her patient, however, they decide not to follow it. When she

instructs them of the importance of their health, and emphasizes the harm that smoking and
drinking can do to their bodies, they still execute it. She feels guilty and hurt when she is there

watching her patients spiral downward- watching them progressively get worse is one of the

things she wishes to never experience, but in this field, its going to be hard not to experience it.

However, despite that, she says she strives to continue to do better. She calls this the nursing

spirit,- one either has it or one doesnt. Everyone has a bad day, and sometimes of course one

will feel let down, but one should try to overcome it and do their best to provide their patients the

best service and care. In a way, this relates to my experience in ISM. Yes, professionals are busy

people, and at times, they will not be able to participate in an interview or a conversation- but its

important not to give up when things like that occur, she told me its all apart of life and its

better for me to experience it now, rather than when Im her age and crying over a rejected

interview.

I also popped in a question regarding mental illness, and she claims she has plenty of

experience with patients that have psychological disorders. I asked her what she wished her

patients knew about treatment or mental illness, and she wisely answered compliance and

counseling. Mental illness can be so many different things- like schizophrenia, depression, down

syndrome, etc. She emphasizes the importance of patients complying to their health care

provider. When a doctor prescribes a patient medication, the later has to be on top of it and touch

base with the provider often. Its not going to benefit the patient nor the health care provider if

the patient isnt doing as she/he is told. The 2nd part of her answer refers to counseling. Its

important that patients talk to their health care provider about how they feel. They shouldnt be

afraid, even though at times it is hard not to be, to talk things out. The healthcare provider will be

able to assist in their progression and help conjure a treatment plan. She adds that a pill is never
going to help completely solve a problem, so its critical to touch base with a healthcare provider

for additional help.

Ms. Pham is by far one of the most humble and passionate people in the field of nursing.

She seemed so dedicated to her job, and overall, she seemed happy with who she is and what she

does. Her personality really got me attached to her, and she was willing to help me in my career

as Psychiatric Nurse. I wouldnt have been so relieved and willing to continue my ISM career if

she hadnt picked up the phone. She has taught me the importance of perseverance, and she was

truly glad that I had chosen the medical field. She believes nursing is the right match for me, and

since Ive already become CNA certified, all of my experiences will build on each other, and she

claims the time I am 30, I will be an expert- like her. I couldnt have been more blessed to meet

someone who has similar interests, passion, personality, and even a similar last name. I wish to

continue my career with her advice and guidance. I look forward to my future meetings with Ms.

Julie Pham.